Musings from a stylist….

Love it or hate- Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. So, what to wear on that dreamy date without looking like you tried too hard? Spring has some killer trends that scream romance… Gingham has gone from the farm to the forefront of fashion this season with designers like Diane von Furstenberg reworking this checkered classic. I am mad for her super sexy take on this country staple. Just be sure to keep the rest of your look very simple to stay more fabulous than farm girl!

Another great look from the Spring runways was the return on the one shoulder cut. As stylist, I often ask clients which part of their bodies they love and loathe and the shoulders seem to be one body part that always make the love (or at least “like”) list. Jill Stuart showed beautiful flouncy one shoulder blouses that pair perfectly with virtually anything from a sleek pencil skirt to more casual jeans. Cushine et Ochs’ offered up a simple column dress is gorgeous on its own or accessorized with a few touches…

And now for my all time favorite look that is trending this Spring- 70’s chic! There was such an effortlessly cool vibe to clothing in this decade of decadence that it was almost impossible to be “too much”. Pucci had an ethereal take on this era with incredible lace and crochet pieces, while indie favorite Honor and fashion God Tom Ford gave us more streamlined silhouettes of 70’s classics.

Tis the season for proposals and nuptials so I wanted to share some unique bridal looks from my latest shoot with Exquisite Weddings. A wedding dress is probably THE most important dress a woman will ever wear, so I say make a statement! Here’s a few non-traditional ideas….

In honor of Father’s Day, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite fashionable fathers. Top of my, and probably every woman’s list is David Beckham. Whether rocking a soccer jersey, tailored suit or tighy whities (yes please!), this man always looks impeccable. He “gets” fashion and can switch from casual dad in cords, a t-shirt and loose beanie, to super swag in a three piece suit so effortlessly. A relatively new Dad, Pharrell is one of my biggest male fashion crushes. He takes any look he wears and makes it his own. Aside from a few questionable hats as of late, Pharrell consistently nails his quirky yet clean style. One half of my most favorite fashionable couples, Gavin Rossdale has the brooding rocker dad look down perfectly. From his perfectly worn-in t’s to his beat up layered necklaces (I know, I know layered necklaces on a dude sound wretched but I swear it works on him), Gavin carries off the rocker turned dad look with ease. I am kind of cheating on this last pick, as Matthew McCounaughey rarely is fully clothed, but here’s to another dad who can make us drool just as easily in a Dolce Gabbana suit as he can shirtless playing a drum (okay, maybe not the drum part). So this Father’s Day, be sure to celebrate the fashionable fella in your life!

After a recent trip to Disneyland, I was both horrified and amused at the parade of “fashion” I saw marching by. Now as a stylist, I might have a more critical eye than most, but I am pretty sure the vast majority would agree that a white crop top barely covering the boob with no bra in sight is not Happiest Place in the World attire. So what are some options for comfortable yet chic looks? Cut-off denim shorts worn with a tailored shirt is always a great go-to look. Patterned pants with a flowy silhouette are also a great option when the temperature heats up. They provide great coverage- which when you have a toddler climbing up and down you all day is essential- while still allowing you to breath. The key here is to pair with a solid color top, as too much pattern can be a recipe for disaster. Another no brainer is an easy sundress. Pair with chic sandals and a long necklace or two and you’re good to go. They key here is not only comfort but remembering there is a time and a place for skin tight dresses and butt cheeks creeping out of shorts, and Disneyland ain’t it sister!

It’s officially summer, which means time to protect those beautiful moneymakers ladies! As a wardrobe stylist I focus mainly on clothing but as I get older, I have realized the importance of skincare which is why I LOVE hats. Not only do hats complete any look and take doing your hair out of the equation, but they offer some pretty decent sun protection as well. Above are some of my favorite picks for this summer…

As a stylist, I am constantly shopping and looking for the best deals. While some outlets can be a total bust (did you know many designers now manufacture special lines- i.e.. lesser quality- exclusively for outlets?!), there are still some gems out there. Some of my favorite brick and mortars include Off 5th- Saks’ outlet where just this evening I bought a fabulous pair of B Brian Atwoods that retail at $425 for $156; Barney’s Outlet- not to be confused with their infamous Warehouse sale which is often a big cluster@$&#; and Neiman Marcus Last Call.

If you prefer to bargain hunt from the comfort of your own home, The Outnet.com offers everyone from Alexander Wang to Zac Posen at pretty significant discounts. Sites like Gilt and TheRealReal have time sensitive sales with everything from art and home decor to jewelry and ready to wear; it’s like an uber-fashionable race against the clock!